I need new brake pads. How do i know if i need new brake discs?

The first thing to do to avoid getting ripped off is to ask relatives/friends to recommend a good mechanic. After choosing a mechanic, tell them that your brakes are making a metal on metal noise, and that you would like to have them checked. Many brake pads have a small piece of metal attached to them that scrapes the rotor to let you know that they need replacing. It doesn't hurt your rotors unless you drive for a long time with that noise. Unless your rotors are warped, they can usually be turned, which means lathing a thin layer of metal from the surface. Turning rotors doesn't cost very much, and may even be included in the cost of your brake job.

If the minimum throwaway thickness of the brake rotors can't be read between the friction surface and spokes on the reverse side, any auto parts store can tell you the measurement. More than likely the measurement will me in millimeters. Someone will need a 0-1 micrometer or vernier calipers to read the overall thickness of the two friction surfaces.

First, DO NOT use cheap pads. They wear out quickly and create alot of heat that will warp your discs. B) If you feel a vibration in your steering wheel as you come to a stop, your discs are warped and should be replaced. However, if no vibration is felt, you should be good. If the old pads have messed up the surface(with grooves or rough surface) they can turn the rotors.

You never stated what car you have. For most domestic, you can buy cheap aftermarket replacement parts. Brake pads from $16.00 up and rotors from around $25.00 a piece and up. When you remove the pads, inspect them and if the brake surface is worn to the metal, the rotor most likely will look scratched. Usually the wheel that has the metal noise is the one that will need rotor replacement. Good luck...!

First, DO NOT use cheap pads. They wear out quickly and create alot of heat that will warp your discs. B) If you feel a vibration in your steering wheel as you come to a stop, your discs are warped and should be replaced. However, if no vibration is felt, you should be good. If the old pads have messed up the surface(with grooves or rough surface) they can turn the rotors.

First of all, you don't mention to your mechanic about possible problems with your brake calipers. Look at the pads themselves to see how demished they are. Tell the mechanic that you would like your break pads replaced. If he sees anything wrong with the calipers he'll be happy to tell you.

i know money is tight today so after the tire is off look at the rotors ! if the rotors has deep grooves cut into them then you need new rotors ! if the rotors are still thick and just a slight groove cut into them you might be able to have them turned down !